Synagogue facts—you will not find all the answers, but it’s important to ask

When was it built? 1896 (1875 in some sources).

Year(s) when it was remodeled or expanded? 1929.

Name of architect(s) – Unknown to us

Other synagogues that this architect built – Uknown to us

Is it known who designed the brass candelabras etc? – N/A

Is it known who was the artist who painted on the walls? – N/A

How would you describe the condition? Very good (repaired recently)

Jewish statistics

How many Jews lived in this city before the Holocaust? In 1930, there were 19,912 out of a total population of 99,605 (representing 20% of the city’s population).

What was its peak year of Jewish population? 1930.

How many synagogues were in the city then? In 1938 - 1940 there were 28 synagogues.

How many now? 1.

Are the others used as synagogues? – N/A

If not, what are they used for? – N/A

If possible, give their addresses. N/A

Holocaust related

What was the fate of the Jews of this city during the Holocaust?

After Romania entered WW II on 22 June 1941, Jewish men aged 18 to 60 were arrested and imprisoned; they were eventually transferred to several camps within the city of Galați and forced to perform hard labor. The number of Jews in Galați dropped from 13,511 in 1941 to 12,946 in 1942. When Romania joined the Allies’ side in the war on 23 August 1944, German soldiers set the town on fire, and several synagogues were destroyed.

How many were murdered? The vest majority.

How many were living in the city from 1945 – 1948? In 1947 there were approximately 15,000 Jews living in Galați.

How many emigrated? In 1969, there were approximately 2,000 Jews left.